By Melissa Sharp
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2
In a story titled “Mill Race runner plans 70th marathon on 70th birthday,” published on July 20, 2024, in The Republic, it was reported that Steve Ranson of Plainfield, Ohio is preparing to celebrate his 70th birthday on September 28 by running his 70th 26.2 mile race at the Columbus annual Mill Race Marathon. Ranson, who began running marathons 30 years ago, said that it was harder for him to take days off than it was to find motivation. At his age, Steve still trains five days a week, running around five miles a day, with a 10-mile day every couple of weeks. Although this senior is far from the norm, he describes himself as an “average guy, average build, average pace.” But he says that years of conditioning means he’s in shape to run a marathon at “the drop of a hat.” He compares maintaining his state to a pot of simmering water, as opposed to room temperature water. Kick up the flame just a bit, and it’ll quickly boil. “It’s just the joy of doing it,” Ranson says about his continued motivation to run.
When it comes to having and keeping the “continued motivation” to faithfully run the race of life God has planned for us, the Bible tells us that we must “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,” because He is the greatest example to follow.
As an ultra runner, when I’m running a 100 mile race, I MUST keep myself focused on the finish line and the reward awaiting me. A runner who has trained vigorously and often painfully for months and years, sacrificing the comforts of the world to go after a goal, runs with joy—which this does NOT mean without pain—to complete the race.
Jesus is our example.
He endured the pain and humiliation of the cross because He knew it was the only way to conquer death once and for all and to provide forgiveness for our sins. We were His prize. And because of His obedience and willingness to complete the mission the Father had given Him, Jesus now sits at the right hand of the throne of God and—WE have the opportunity to have eternal life!
How’s that for a reward?
So knowing that you and I can complete the race by looking to Jesus as our example, let us vow to keep our eyes laser-locked and focused on Him as we allow “the joy” of completing our race to motivate us to endure the pain and train in the Word. The joy that Jesus gives us through salvation is much deeper than anything the world understands. It enables us to press on despite the trials and troubles we will face along the way. It is so worth it now and…it will be for all eternity!
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we each have our own race to run. Help us to keep our eyes on You so that we will be motivated to endure sufferings with joy in the same way You did. Help us to follow Your example that we might motivate others to do the same. It’s in Your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. She has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
